Okay, let’s get into it. The Eagles wrapped up their 2024 regular season with a sterling 14-3 record. I mean, what else is new? Philly has been dominating like it’s their day job—and, well, it is. But with great records come great… expectations. And not everyone on the team lived up to the hype.
Using the trusty PFF grades as our guide, I broke it all down. Who soared like, well, an Eagle? And who was flapping around like a pigeon that flew into a window? Let’s start with the stars because positivity is good for the soul. Then we’ll dive into the ones who, uh, need a mulligan.
Top 5 Offense: Soaring Stars
1. Jordan Mailata (95.8)
The big man was a WALL. I’m talking a Berlin Wall, pre-1989, not the crumbling version. He bulldozed defenders like they were cardboard cutouts. Mailata basically gave Jalen Hurts an extra second on every play to check his Twitter feed before throwing bombs.
2. A.J. Brown (90.9)
Brown was out there stealing souls weekly. Every contested catch looked like a personal vendetta. He’s the guy you draft in fantasy and refuse to trade, even for three first-round picks.
3. Lane Johnson (85.4)
Another season, another year of Johnson making right tackles look cool again. The dude is aging like a fine wine—or maybe a cheesesteak that somehow gets better in the fridge overnight. Unstoppable. Period.
4. Saquon Barkley (85.0)
Wait, Barkley? Yeah, Saquon. After a blockbuster trade, he reminded everyone why he’s the real deal. Side note: Watching him in midnight green is a vibe I didn’t know I needed.
5. DeVonta Smith (82.7)
Smith is that sneaky weapon everyone knows about but still can’t stop. It’s like when someone tells you how good “Breaking Bad” is, and you still binge it anyway because they’re right.
Bottom 5 Offense: Pigeons in a Storm
1. Tyler Steen (40.6)
Yikes. Steen had a rough go this year. Rookie struggles or not, he looked like he was blocking ghosts half the time. Call Ghostbusters?
2. Fred Johnson (47.5)
Fred was…there. But not really. His run blocking looked more like run…suggesting. Let’s move on.
3. Johnny Wilson (49.5)
Wilson played like he was allergic to footballs. Three drops in one game? That’s a bold strategy, Cotton.
4. Grant Calcaterra (53.7)
Calcaterra had moments, sure. But his blocking was suspect, and his routes lacked the kind of crispness Philly’s offense demands. A warm bagel, but not toasted.
5. Kenneth Gainwell (55.0)
Gainwell’s season wasn’t awful, but it also wasn’t good. It was just…there. Like store-brand cereal—functional but forgettable.
Top 5 Defense: Brick Wall Alert
1. Zack Baun (90.1)
Baun was EVERYWHERE. Like glitter in a craft store. You’d think offenses would avoid him, but nope, they kept trying—and failing.
2. Cooper DeJean (82.7)
Rookie phenom! DeJean didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage. Seventy-three targets, and not one mistake? Someone buy this kid a cheesesteak (or three).
3. Brandon Graham (78.6)
Graham’s been doing this for so long that he’s practically a Philly historical landmark. Still a menace in his umpteenth season.
4. Nolan Smith (76.1)
Smith’s got that relentless energy that makes you exhausted just watching. He’s a sack waiting to happen every snap.
5. C.J. Gardner-Johnson / Isaiah Rodgers (76.0)
Sharing is caring! These two were solid contributors. Rodgers, in particular, locked down some big-name receivers.
Bottom 5 Defense: Needs Improvement
1. Tristin McCollum (46.3)
McCollum had a season to forget. He missed tackles like they were part of a “Best Avoided” list.
2. Avonte Maddox (56.3)
Maddox is a veteran, so seeing him struggle like this was a shock. Hopefully, it’s just a blip and not a trend.
3. Jalyx Hunt (64.3)
Hunt was up and down, but mostly down. Flashes of brilliance don’t erase weeks of mediocrity.
4. Jordan Davis (66.6)
The big man’s performance wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the wrecking-ball season Eagles fans were hoping for.
5. Darius Slay (67.6)
Slay wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t elite either. A quiet season for someone who’s usually making noise.
The Eagles had their ups and downs in 2024, but let’s be real: they’re still Super Bowl contenders. Players like Jordan Mailata and A.J. Brown carried the team, while young guns like Cooper DeJean gave fans hope for the future. On the flip side, some players need a serious offseason reboot. Maybe just unplug, plug back in, and update the firmware.
But hey, it’s Philly. We live for this. The highs, the lows, the drama—it’s all part of being an Eagles fan. Now, bring on the playoffs. Let’s go, Birds!
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